U.S. patent number 9,414,991 [Application Number 14/532,147] was granted by the patent office on 2016-08-16 for medical connector having locking engagement.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Becton Dickinson and Company Limited. The grantee listed for this patent is Becton Dickinson and Company Limited. Invention is credited to Jude Cancellieri, Laurie Sanders, Yan Yevmenenko.
United States Patent |
9,414,991 |
Sanders , et al. |
August 16, 2016 |
Medical connector having locking engagement
Abstract
A medical connector system including a first connector and a
second connector. The first connector has a housing, a biasing
member, and at least one projection. The second connector has at
least one groove for receiving the at least one projection. The
proximal end of the second connector is configured to be at least
partially disposed within the distal end of the housing of the
first connector. Upon application and release of a first set of
opposing axial forces applied to the connector system, the first
connector is locked to the second connector and, upon application
and release of a second set of opposing axial forces, the first
connector is released from the second connector. The connectors may
include indicators to show when the connector system is in the
locked position.
Inventors: |
Sanders; Laurie (Glen Ridge,
NJ), Cancellieri; Jude (Oakland, NJ), Yevmenenko; Yan
(New York, NY) |
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Becton Dickinson and Company Limited |
Dun Laoghaire |
N/A |
IE |
|
|
Assignee: |
Becton Dickinson and Company
Limited (Dun Laoghaire, IE)
|
Family
ID: |
51904280 |
Appl.
No.: |
14/532,147 |
Filed: |
November 4, 2014 |
Prior Publication Data
|
|
|
|
Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
|
US 20150126958 A1 |
May 7, 2015 |
|
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
|
|
61900647 |
Nov 6, 2013 |
|
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61J
1/18 (20130101); A61M 39/1011 (20130101); A61M
39/14 (20130101); A61J 1/2065 (20150501); A61J
1/2096 (20130101); A61M 39/10 (20130101); A61J
1/201 (20150501); A61M 2039/1066 (20130101); A61J
2205/50 (20130101); A61M 2039/1016 (20130101); A61M
2039/1033 (20130101); A61J 2205/40 (20130101); A61M
2039/1072 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
A61J
1/18 (20060101); A61M 39/14 (20060101); A61J
1/20 (20060101); A61M 39/10 (20060101) |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
2344739 |
March 1944 |
Shaff |
2622561 |
December 1952 |
Baker |
3084670 |
April 1963 |
Dottlinger |
3084671 |
April 1963 |
Dottlinger |
3637316 |
January 1972 |
Bross |
4436125 |
March 1984 |
Blenkush |
4564054 |
January 1986 |
Gustavsson |
4673404 |
June 1987 |
Gustavsson |
4932937 |
June 1990 |
Gustavsson et al. |
4943175 |
July 1990 |
Heim |
5052725 |
October 1991 |
Meyer et al. |
5104158 |
April 1992 |
Meyer et al. |
5122123 |
June 1992 |
Vaillancourt |
5122129 |
June 1992 |
Olson et al. |
5242401 |
September 1993 |
Colsky |
5280876 |
January 1994 |
Atkins |
5290254 |
March 1994 |
Vaillancourt |
5322518 |
June 1994 |
Schneider et al. |
5334188 |
August 1994 |
Inoue et al. |
5360011 |
November 1994 |
McCallister |
5395348 |
March 1995 |
Ryan |
5437650 |
August 1995 |
Larkin et al. |
5464123 |
November 1995 |
Scarrow |
5472430 |
December 1995 |
Vaillancourt et al. |
5478328 |
December 1995 |
Silverman et al. |
5487728 |
January 1996 |
Vaillancourt |
5507733 |
April 1996 |
Larkin et al. |
5509911 |
April 1996 |
Cottone, Sr. et al. |
5545152 |
August 1996 |
Funderburk et al. |
5607392 |
March 1997 |
Kanner |
5609584 |
March 1997 |
Gettig et al. |
5611792 |
March 1997 |
Gustafsson |
5647845 |
July 1997 |
Haber et al. |
5685866 |
November 1997 |
Lopez |
5807347 |
September 1998 |
Bonaldo |
5897526 |
April 1999 |
Vaillancourt |
6063068 |
May 2000 |
Fowles et al. |
6089541 |
July 2000 |
Weinheimer et al. |
6113583 |
September 2000 |
Fowles et al. |
6132404 |
October 2000 |
Lopez |
6139534 |
October 2000 |
Niedospial, Jr. et al. |
6221041 |
April 2001 |
Russo |
6221056 |
April 2001 |
Silverman |
6343629 |
February 2002 |
Wessman et al. |
6358236 |
March 2002 |
DeFoggi et al. |
6409708 |
June 2002 |
Wessman |
6474375 |
November 2002 |
Spero et al. |
6478788 |
November 2002 |
Aneas |
6544246 |
April 2003 |
Niedospial, Jr. |
6551299 |
April 2003 |
Miyoshi et al. |
6585695 |
July 2003 |
Adair et al. |
6599273 |
July 2003 |
Lopez |
6610040 |
August 2003 |
Fowles et al. |
6629958 |
October 2003 |
Spinello |
6656433 |
December 2003 |
Sasso |
6715520 |
April 2004 |
Andreasson et al. |
6814726 |
November 2004 |
Lauer |
6852103 |
February 2005 |
Fowles et al. |
6875203 |
April 2005 |
Fowles et al. |
6875205 |
April 2005 |
Leinsing |
6911025 |
June 2005 |
Miyahara |
6997917 |
February 2006 |
Niedospial, Jr. et al. |
7040598 |
May 2006 |
Raybuck |
7083605 |
August 2006 |
Miyahara |
7097209 |
August 2006 |
Unger et al. |
7261707 |
August 2007 |
Frezza et al. |
7306584 |
December 2007 |
Wessman et al. |
7326194 |
February 2008 |
Zinger et al. |
7350535 |
April 2008 |
Liepold et al. |
7354427 |
April 2008 |
Fangrow |
7452349 |
November 2008 |
Miyahara |
7547300 |
June 2009 |
Fangrow |
7628772 |
December 2009 |
McConnell et al. |
7648491 |
January 2010 |
Rogers |
7658734 |
February 2010 |
Adair et al. |
7743799 |
June 2010 |
Mosler et al. |
7744581 |
June 2010 |
Wallen et al. |
7758560 |
July 2010 |
Connell et al. |
7803140 |
September 2010 |
Fangrow, Jr. |
7867215 |
January 2011 |
Akerlund et al. |
7879018 |
February 2011 |
Zinger et al. |
7900659 |
March 2011 |
Whitley et al. |
7927316 |
April 2011 |
Proulx et al. |
7942860 |
May 2011 |
Horppu |
7975733 |
July 2011 |
Horppu et al. |
8096525 |
January 2012 |
Ryan |
8122923 |
February 2012 |
Kraus et al. |
8123738 |
February 2012 |
Vaillancourt |
8137332 |
March 2012 |
Pipelka |
8167863 |
May 2012 |
Yow |
8177768 |
May 2012 |
Leinsing |
8196614 |
June 2012 |
Kriheli |
8206367 |
June 2012 |
Warren et al. |
8211069 |
July 2012 |
Fangrow, Jr. |
8226628 |
July 2012 |
Muramatsu et al. |
8257286 |
September 2012 |
Meyer et al. |
8267127 |
September 2012 |
Kriheli |
8277424 |
October 2012 |
Pan |
8317741 |
November 2012 |
Kraushaar |
8317743 |
November 2012 |
Denenburg |
8398607 |
March 2013 |
Fangrow, Jr. |
8403905 |
March 2013 |
Yow |
8425487 |
April 2013 |
Beiriger et al. |
8449521 |
May 2013 |
Thorne, Jr. et al. |
8454579 |
June 2013 |
Fangrow, Jr. |
2001/0042850 |
November 2001 |
Cote, Sr. |
2003/0070726 |
April 2003 |
Andreasson et al. |
2003/0085574 |
May 2003 |
Froment |
2004/0111064 |
June 2004 |
Asbaghi |
2004/0230158 |
November 2004 |
Malenchek |
2005/0065495 |
March 2005 |
Zambaux |
2005/0182383 |
August 2005 |
Wallen |
2005/0215976 |
September 2005 |
Wallen |
2005/0267400 |
December 2005 |
Haarala |
2006/0189961 |
August 2006 |
Miyahara |
2007/0079894 |
April 2007 |
Kraus et al. |
2008/0045919 |
February 2008 |
Jakob et al. |
2008/0097371 |
April 2008 |
Shemesh |
2008/0287914 |
November 2008 |
Wyatt et al. |
2009/0069783 |
March 2009 |
Ellstrom et al. |
2009/0159485 |
June 2009 |
Jakob et al. |
2010/0179506 |
July 2010 |
Shemesh et al. |
2010/0217226 |
August 2010 |
Shemesh |
2011/0004183 |
January 2011 |
Carrez et al. |
2011/0062703 |
March 2011 |
Lopez et al. |
2011/0074148 |
March 2011 |
Imai |
2011/0106046 |
May 2011 |
Hiranuma et al. |
2011/0257621 |
October 2011 |
Fangrow |
2011/0291406 |
December 2011 |
Kraft et al. |
2012/0035580 |
February 2012 |
Fangrow |
2012/0046636 |
February 2012 |
Kriheli |
2012/0123381 |
May 2012 |
Kraus et al. |
2012/0192968 |
August 2012 |
Bonnal et al. |
2012/0192976 |
August 2012 |
Rahimy et al. |
2012/0203193 |
August 2012 |
Rogers |
2012/0265163 |
October 2012 |
Cheng et al. |
2012/0279884 |
November 2012 |
Tennican et al. |
2012/0316536 |
December 2012 |
Carrez et al. |
2013/0006211 |
January 2013 |
Takemoto |
2013/0012908 |
January 2013 |
Yeung |
2013/0046246 |
February 2013 |
Cross |
2013/0066293 |
March 2013 |
Garfield et al. |
2013/0072893 |
March 2013 |
Takemoto |
2013/0076019 |
March 2013 |
Takemoto |
2013/0079744 |
March 2013 |
Okiyama et al. |
2013/0160880 |
June 2013 |
Tiberghien |
2013/0172818 |
July 2013 |
Schraga |
2013/0237932 |
September 2013 |
Thueer |
2013/0245563 |
September 2013 |
Mercer |
2014/0058333 |
February 2014 |
Cross |
2014/0236100 |
August 2014 |
Ward |
|
Foreign Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2462971 |
|
Jun 2012 |
|
EP |
|
2058576 |
|
May 1971 |
|
FR |
|
2005011781 |
|
Feb 2005 |
|
WO |
|
2006103074 |
|
Oct 2006 |
|
WO |
|
2009024807 |
|
Feb 2009 |
|
WO |
|
2009090627 |
|
Jul 2009 |
|
WO |
|
2011050333 |
|
Apr 2011 |
|
WO |
|
2012069401 |
|
May 2012 |
|
WO |
|
2012119225 |
|
Sep 2012 |
|
WO |
|
2012168235 |
|
Dec 2012 |
|
WO |
|
2013025946 |
|
Feb 2013 |
|
WO |
|
2013054323 |
|
Apr 2013 |
|
WO |
|
2013066779 |
|
May 2013 |
|
WO |
|
2013115730 |
|
Aug 2013 |
|
WO |
|
2013179596 |
|
Dec 2013 |
|
WO |
|
Primary Examiner: Marcetich; Adam
Attorney, Agent or Firm: The Webb Law Firm
Parent Case Text
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application
Ser. No. 61/900,647, filed Nov. 6, 2013, which is hereby
incorporated by reference in its entirety.
Claims
The invention claimed is:
1. A medical connector system comprising: a first connector having
a proximal end and a distal end, the first connector comprising a
housing defining a central opening that receives a carrier member,
a biasing member, a needle cannula, and a cam member, the biasing
member engaging and biasing the carrier member towards the distal
end of the first connector, the cam member having at least one
projection extending into the central opening of the housing of the
first connector with the cam member being rotatable relative to the
housing of the first connector, the carrier member having at least
one sealing member; and a second connector having an outer surface,
a proximal end, and a distal end, the outer surface of the second
connector comprising at least one groove for receiving the at least
one projection, wherein the proximal end of the second connector is
configured to be at least partially disposed within a distal end of
the housing of the first connector, and wherein upon application
and release of a first set of opposing axial forces applied to the
proximal end of the first connector and the distal end of the
second connector, the first connector is locked to the second
connector with the at least one projection engaged with that at
least one groove and the needle cannula extending through the at
least one sealing member and, upon application and release of a
second set of opposing axial forces to the proximal end of the
first connector and the distal end of the second connector, the
first connector is released from the second connector with the at
least one projection released from engagement with the at least one
groove.
2. The medical connector system according to claim 1, wherein upon
application and release of the first set of opposing axial forces
applied to the proximal end of the first connector and the distal
end of the second connector, the biasing member biases the first
connector in a proximal direction with respect to the second
connector such that the at least one projection of the first
connector engages the at least one groove of the second connector
and locks the first connector onto the second connector.
3. The medical connector system according to claim 2, wherein upon
application and release of the second set of opposing axial forces
to the proximal end of the first connector and the distal end of
the second connector, the biasing member biases the first connector
in a proximal direction with respect to the second connector
releasing the engagement between the at least one projection of the
first connector and the at least one groove of the second
connector.
4. The medical connector system according to claim 1, wherein the
at least one groove comprises: a first section extending axially in
a distal direction; a second section extending from a distal end of
the first section and sloping in a distal direction away from the
distal end of the first section; a third section extending axially
in a proximal direction from a distal end of the second section; a
fourth section extending from a proximal end of the third section
and sloping in a proximal direction away from the proximal end of
the third section; a fifth section extending axially in a distal
direction from a proximal end of the fourth section; a sixth
section extending from a distal end of the fifth section and
sloping in a distal direction away from the distal end of the fifth
section; a seventh section extending axially in a proximal
direction from a distal end of the sixth section; and an eighth
section extending from a proximal end of the seventh section and
sloping in a proximal direction away from the proximal end of the
seventh section.
5. The medical connector system according to claim 4, wherein the
at least one groove further comprises an additional section
extending axially in a proximal direction from the proximal end of
the fourth section and the fifth section extends from a distal end
of the additional section.
6. The medical connector system according to claim 5, wherein the
first connector is locked to the second connector when the at least
one projection on the first connector is disposed within a proximal
end of the additional section of the at least one groove of the
second connector.
7. The medical connector system according to claim 4, wherein the
second connector further comprises a distally sloping ledge on an
exterior surface extending to a proximal end of the first section
of the at least one groove.
8. The medical connector system according to claim 4, wherein the
first connector is locked to the second connector when the at least
one projection of the first connector is disposed within the
proximal end of the fourth section of the at least one groove of
the second connector.
9. The medical connector system according to claim 4, wherein upon
application of the first set of opposing axial forces to the
proximal end of the first connector and the distal end of the
second connector, the at least one projection travels through the
first and second sections of the at least one groove of the second
connector.
10. The medical connector system according to claim 4, wherein upon
release of the first set of opposing axial forces to the proximal
end of the first connector and the distal end of the second
connector, the biasing member biases the first connector in a
proximal direction with respect to the second connector such that
the at least one projection travels through the third and fourth
sections of the at least one groove of the second connector and is
disposed within the proximal end of the fourth section of the
second connector.
11. The medical connector system according to claim 4, wherein upon
application of the second set of opposing axial forces to the
proximal end of the first connector and the distal end of the
second connector, the at least one projection travels through the
fifth and sixth sections of the at least one groove of the second
connector.
12. The medical connector system according to claim 4, wherein upon
release of the second set of opposing axial forces to the proximal
end of the first connector and the distal end of the second
connector, the biasing member biases the first connector in a
proximal direction with respect to the second connector such that
the at least one projection travels through the seventh and eighth
sections of the at least one groove of the second connector
releasing engagement between the at least one projection and the at
least one groove of the second connector.
13. The medical connector of claim 1, wherein the first connector
comprises a first indicator and the second connector comprises a
second indicator, and wherein upon application and release of the
first set of opposing axial forces applied to the proximal end of
the first connector and the distal end of the second connector, the
first connector is locked relative to the second connector in an
axial direction and the first indicator is aligned with the second
indicator.
14. The medical connector system of claim 13, wherein the first
indicator and the second indicator are axial bands.
15. The medical connector system of claim 13, wherein the first
indicator is a dot and the second indicator is a circle.
16. A method of transferring a fluid from a first medical device
used for receiving or dispensing fluids to a second medical device
used for receiving or dispensing fluids comprising: providing a
first connector having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the
proximal end is connected to the first medical device and the
distal end is open, the first connector comprising a housing and a
needle cannula; providing a second connector having a proximal end
and a distal end, wherein the distal end is connected to the second
medical device, the second connector comprising a central
passageway extending from the proximal end to the distal end;
inserting the proximal end of the second connector at least
partially into the open distal end of the first connector; applying
and releasing a first set of opposing axial forces to the proximal
end of the first connector and the distal end of the second
connector, wherein the first connector is locked to the second
connector upon release of the first set of opposing axial forces
and the needle cannula extends into the central passageway beyond
the distal end of the second connector and into the second medical
device; and transferring the fluid from the first medical device to
the second medical device through the needle cannula.
17. The method of claim 16 further comprising: applying and
releasing a second set of opposing axial forces to the proximal end
of the first connector and the distal end of the second connector,
wherein the first connector is released from the locking engagement
with the second connector and the needle cannula is disposed within
the housing of the first connector upon release of the second set
of opposing axial forces.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a connector system for a medical
device. More specifically, the present invention relates to a
connector system for enabling fluid transfer between a first
medical device for receiving and/or dispensing fluids and a second
medical device for receiving and/or dispensing fluids.
2. Description of Related Art
A problem in connection with drug preparation, drug administration,
and other similar handling is the risk that medical and
pharmacological staff are exposed to drugs or solvents which might
escape into the ambient air. This problem is particularly serious
when cytotoxins, antiviral drugs, antibiotics, and
radiopharmaceuticals are concerned. Other hazardous areas may be
sample taking, such as samples concerning virus infections or the
like. When performing infusions, it is often necessary to inject a
drug or other medical substance into the infusion fluid inside an
infusion bag or other infusion fluid container. This is often done
by means of penetrating a septum or other fluid barrier of an
injection port on the infusion bag or on the infusion fluid line
with a needle of a syringe filled with the medical fluid in
question. However, even before this it may be necessary to transfer
the medical fluid from a vial to a syringe and then from the
syringe to a secondary container. In each of these steps, staff may
be exposed to the medical fluid by means of contamination. Such
contamination may be vaporized medical fluid or aerosol in the air.
The contaminations may contaminate the staff through their lungs or
vaporized medical fluid or aerosol in the air which condensates on
the skin to thereafter penetrate the skin of the staff. Some
medicaments are even known to penetrate protection gloves and
thereby contaminate the staff.
Exposure to contaminations like this may, on a long term basis,
give rise to alarmingly high concentrations of medicaments in the
blood or the human body of the staff described above. It has been
understood that due to the many transferring steps between e.g.
vials, syringes, infusion systems etc., the risk for contamination
during the actual insertion and retraction of a needle from the
container, e.g. a vial, needs to be contained. Closed system
transfer devices have been developed to ensure that the medicament
is contained the transfer device during transfer of the
medicament.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In one aspect, a medical connector system includes: a first
connector having a proximal end and a distal end and including a
housing, a biasing member, and at least one projection and a second
connector having a proximal end and a distal end and including at
least one groove for receiving the at least one projection. The
biasing member may be a spring. The proximal end of the second
connector is configured to be at least partially disposed within
distal end of the housing of the first connector. Upon application
and release of a first set of opposing axial forces applied to the
proximal end of the first connector and the distal end of the
second connector, the first connector is locked to the second
connector and, upon application and release of a second set of
opposing axial forces to the proximal end of the first connector
and the distal end of the second connector, the first connector is
released from the second connector.
When the first connector is locked to the second connector, the at
least one projection of the first connector engages the at least
one groove of the second connector and, when the first connector is
released from the second connector, the at least one projection of
the first connector is released from engagement with the at least
one groove of the second connector.
Upon application and release of the first set of opposing axial
forces applied to the proximal end of the first connector and the
distal end of the second connector, the biasing member biases the
first connector in a proximal direction with respect to the second
connector such that the at least one projection of the first
connector engages the at least one groove of the second connector
and locks the first connector onto the second connector.
Upon application and release of the second set of opposing axial
forces to the proximal end of the first connector and the distal
end of the second connector, the biasing member biases the first
connector in a proximal direction with respect to the second
connector releasing the engagement between the at least one
projection of the first connector and the at least one groove of
the second connector.
The at least one groove may include: a first section extending
axially in the distal direction; a second section extending from
the distal end of the first section and sloping in the distal
direction away from the distal end of the first section; a third
section extending axially in the proximal direction from the distal
end of the second section; a fourth section extending from the
proximal end of the third section and sloping in the proximal
direction away from the proximal end of the third section; a fifth
section extending axially in the distal direction from the proximal
end of the fourth section; a sixth section extending from the
distal end of the fifth section and sloping in the distal direction
away from the distal end of the fifth section; a seventh section
extending axially in the proximal direction from the distal end of
the sixth section; and an eighth section extending from the
proximal end of the seventh section and sloping in the proximal
direction away from the proximal end of the seventh section.
Alternatively, the at least one groove may further include an
additional section extending axially in a proximal direction from
the proximal end of the fourth section and the fifth section
extends from a distal end of the additional section.
The second connector may further include a distally sloping ledge
on an exterior surface extending to a proximal end of the first
section of the at least one groove.
The first connector is locked to the second connector when the at
least one projection of the first connector is disposed within a
proximal end of the fourth section of the at least one groove of
the second connector or within the proximal end of the additional
section of the at least one groove of the second connector.
Upon application of the first set of opposing axial forces to the
proximal end of the first connector and the distal end of the
second connector, the at least one projection travels through the
first and second sections of the at least one groove of the second
connector. Upon release of the first set of opposing axial forces,
the biasing member biases the first connector in a proximal
direction with respect to the second connector such that the at
least one projection travels through the third and fourth sections
of the at least one groove of the second connector and is disposed
within the proximal end of the fourth section of the second
connector.
Upon application of the second set of opposing axial forces to the
proximal end of the first connector and the distal end of the
second connector, the at least one projection travels through the
fifth and sixth sections of the at least one groove of the second
connector. Upon release of the second set of opposing axial forces,
the biasing member biases the first connector in a proximal
direction with respect to the second connector such that the at
least one projection travels through the seventh and eighth
sections of the at least one groove of the second connector
releasing engagement between the at least one projection and the at
least one groove of the second connector.
The first connector may also include a cam member having the at
least one projection and the cam member may be rotatably attached
to the housing.
The first connector may also include a carrier that is slidably
attached to the housing and a needle cannula and the second
connector may also include an axial central passageway that extends
from the proximal end to the distal end of the second connector.
The biasing member may be disposed between a proximal end of the
housing and the carrier.
Upon application of the first set of opposing axial forces applied
to the proximal end of the first connector and the distal end of
the second connector, the carrier contacts the proximal end of the
second connector and energy is stored in the biasing member. In
addition, when the first connector is locked to the second
connector, the needle cannula is received in the central passageway
and the distal end of the needle cannula extends from the distal
end of the second connector. When the first connector is released
from the second connector, the distal end of the needle cannula is
contained within the housing of the first connector.
The carrier of the first connector may also include at least one
sealing member. When the first connector is locked to the second
connector, the needle cannula extends through the sealing member
and is received within the central passageway of the second
connector and a seal is created between the proximal end of the
second connector and the sealing member. The seal is created
between the proximal end of the second connector and the sealing
member due to a distally directed force provided by the biasing
member on the carrier and a proximally directed force provided on
the second connector by the projection of the first connector.
The first connector may also include an attachment portion at the
proximal end for attaching the first connector to first medical
device.
The first connector and the second connector may also include
indicators to show the user when the medical connector system is in
the locked position. Such indicators may include axial bands or a
bullseye configuration having a dot and a circle.
The present invention is also directed to a method of transferring
a fluid from a first medical device for receiving or dispensing
fluids to a second medical device for receiving or dispensing
fluids. A first connector having a proximal end and a distal end,
wherein the proximal end is connected to the first medical device
and the distal end is open is provided. The first connector
includes a housing and a needle cannula. A second connector having
a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the distal end is
connected to the second medical device, is also provided. The
second connector includes a central passageway extending from the
proximal end to the distal end. The proximal end of the second
connector is at least partially inserted into the open distal end
of the first connector. A first set of opposing axial forces is
applied to and released from the proximal end of the first
connector and the distal end of the second connector. The first
connector is locked to the second connector upon release of the
first set of opposing axial forces and the needle cannula extends
into the central passageway beyond the distal end of the second
connector and into the second medical device. The fluid is then
transferred from the first medical device to the second medical
device through the needle cannula.
The method may further include a step of applying and releasing a
second set of opposing axial forces to the proximal end of the
first connector and the distal end of the second connector. The
first connector is released from the locking engagement with the
second connector and the needle cannula is disposed within the
housing of the first connector upon release of the second set of
opposing axial forces.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING(S)
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a medical connector system shown
with a first medical device that is a syringe and a second medical
device that is a pressure regulator (a), an IV bag adaptor (b), or
a patient connector (c).
FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the medical connector
system shown in FIG. 1 according to one aspect of the present
invention.
FIG. 3A is a perspective view of a first connector of the medical
connector system shown in FIG. 1 according to one aspect of the
present invention.
FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view of the first connector of FIG. 3A
along line A-A according to one aspect of the present invention,
showing the first connector in an actuated position with the second
connector omitted for clarity.
FIG. 4A is a perspective view of a second connector of the medical
connector system shown in FIG. 1 according to one aspect of the
present invention.
FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view of the second connector of FIG.
4A along line A-A according to one aspect of the present
invention.
FIG. 4C is a schematic of a groove of the second connector of FIG.
4A according to one aspect of the present invention.
FIG. 4D is a schematic of a groove of the second connector
according to an alternative aspect of the present invention.
FIG. 5A is a perspective view of a patient connector provided with
the second connector of the medical connector system of FIG. 1
according to one aspect of the present invention.
FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view of the second connector of FIG.
5A along line A-A according to one aspect of the present
application.
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the second connector of FIG. 5B
according to one aspect of the present invention, showing the
second connector inserted into but not locked to the first
connector of FIG. 3A.
FIG. 7A is a partially transparent perspective view of a medical
connector system according to a further aspect of the present
invention.
FIG. 7B is a partially transparent perspective view of the medical
connector system of FIG. 7A according to one aspect of the present
invention, showing the system upon insertion of the second
connector into the housing of the first connector.
FIG. 7C is a partially transparent perspective view of the medical
connector system of FIG. 7A according to one aspect of the present
invention, showing the system after application of a first set of
opposing forces applied to the first connector and the second
connector.
FIG. 7D is a transparent perspective view of the medical connector
system of FIG. 7A according to one aspect of the present invention,
showing the system in a locked state after release of the first set
of opposing forces applied to the first connector and the second
connector.
FIG. 7E is a transparent perspective view of the medical connector
system of FIG. 7A according to one aspect of the present invention,
showing the system at the beginning of the application of a second
set of opposing forces applied to the first connector and the
second connector.
FIG. 7F is a transparent perspective view of the medical connector
system of FIG. 7A according to one aspect of the present invention,
showing the system at the completion of the application of a second
set of opposing forces applied to the first connector and the
second connector.
FIG. 7G is a transparent perspective view of the medical connector
system of FIG. 7A according to one aspect of the present invention,
showing the system in a released state after release of the second
set of opposing forces applied to the first connector and the
second connector.
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a first connector of a medical
connector system shown according to a further aspect of the present
invention, showing the connector with a transparent housing and
indicator band.
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a second connector of a medical
connector system shown according to a further aspect of the present
invention, showing the connector with an indicator band in
conjunction with a vial adapter.
FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a second connector of a medical
connector system shown according to a further aspect of the present
invention, showing the connector with an indicator band in
conjunction with an IV bag spike.
FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a second connector of a medical
connector system shown according to a further aspect of the present
invention, showing the connector with an indicator band in
conjunction with a patient connector.
FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a medical connector system
according to one aspect of the present invention, showing the first
connector of FIG. 8 locked with the second connector of FIG. 9.
FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a medical connector system
according to one aspect of the present invention, showing the first
connector of FIG. 8 locked with the second connector of FIG.
10.
FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a medical connector system
according to one aspect of the present invention, showing the first
connector of FIG. 8 locked with the second connector of FIG.
11.
FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a first connector of a medical
connector system shown according to another aspect of the present
invention, showing the connector with a transparent housing and
indicator band.
FIG. 16 is a top perspective view of a second connector of a
medical connector system shown according to another aspect of the
present invention, showing the connector with an indicator band in
conjunction with a patient connector.
FIG. 17 is a bottom perspective view of the second connector of
FIG. 16 according to one aspect of the present invention.
FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a medical connector system
according to one aspect of the present invention, showing the first
connector of FIG. 15 locked with the second connector of FIG.
16.
FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a first connector of a medical
connector system shown according to yet another aspect of the
present invention, showing the connector with a transparent housing
and indicator band.
FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a second connector of a medical
connector system shown according to yet another aspect of the
present invention, showing the connector with an indicator band in
conjunction with a vial adapter.
FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a second connector of a medical
connector system shown according to yet another aspect of the
present invention, showing the connector with an indicator band in
conjunction with a patient connector.
FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a first connector of a medical
connector system shown according to a further aspect of the present
invention, showing the connector with an opaque housing and
indicator band.
FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view of the first connector of FIG. 22
taken along line 23-23 in FIG. 22.
FIG. 24 is a perspective view of a second connector of a medical
connector system shown according to a further aspect of the present
invention, showing the connector with an indicator band in
conjunction with a patient connector.
FIG. 25 is a perspective view of a medical connector system
according to one aspect of the present invention, showing the first
connector of FIG. 22 locked with the second connector of FIG.
24.
FIG. 26 is a perspective view of a first connector of a medical
connector system shown according to another aspect of the present
invention, showing the connector with a transparent housing and an
indicator.
FIG. 27 is a perspective view of a second connector of a medical
connector system shown according to another aspect of the present
invention, showing the connector with an indicator.
FIG. 28 is a perspective view of a medical connector system
according to one aspect of the present invention, showing the first
connector of FIG. 26 locked with the second connector of FIG.
27.
FIG. 29 is a perspective view of a first connector of a medical
connector system shown according to yet another aspect of the
present invention, showing the connector with a transparent housing
and a window.
FIG. 30 is a perspective view of a second connector of a medical
connector system shown according to yet another aspect of the
present invention, showing the connector with an indicator
band.
FIG. 31 is a perspective view of a medical connector system
according to one aspect of the present invention, showing the first
connector of FIG. 29 locked with the second connector of FIG.
30.
FIG. 32 is a perspective view of a first connector of a medical
connector system shown according to a further aspect of the present
invention, showing the connector with a transparent housing and a
window.
FIG. 33 is a perspective view of a second connector of a medical
connector system shown according to a further aspect of the present
invention, showing the connector with an indicator mark.
FIG. 34 is a perspective view of a/medical connector system
according to one aspect of the present invention, showing the first
connector of FIG. 32 locked with the second connector of FIG.
33.
FIG. 35 is a perspective view of the first connector of medical
connector system of FIG. 1, showing a grip configuration according
to an alternative aspect of the present invention.
FIG. 36 is a perspective view of the first connector of medical
connector system of FIG. 1, showing a grip configuration according
to a second alternative aspect of the present invention.
FIG. 37 is a perspective view of the first connector of medical
connector system of FIG. 1, showing a grip configuration according
to third alternative aspect of the present invention.
FIG. 38 is a perspective view of the first connector of medical
connector system of FIG. 1, showing a grip configuration according
to a fourth alternative aspect of the present invention.
FIG. 39 is a schematic of a groove of the second connector
according to a first alternative aspect.
FIG. 40 is a schematic of a groove of the second connector
according to a second alternative aspect.
FIG. 41 is a schematic of a groove of the second connector
according to a third alternative aspect.
FIG. 42 is a schematic of a groove of the second connector
according to a fourth alternative aspect.
FIG. 43 is a schematic of a groove of the second connector
according to a fifth alternative aspect.
FIG. 44 is a schematic of a groove of the second connector
according to a sixth alternative aspect.
FIG. 45 is a schematic of a groove of the second connector
according to a seventh alternative aspect.
FIG. 46 is a schematic of a groove of the second connector
according to an eighth alternative aspect.
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
For purposes of the description hereinafter, the terms such as
"end", "upper", "lower", "right", "left", "vertical", "horizontal",
"top", "bottom", "lateral", "longitudinal" and derivatives thereof
shall relate to the invention as it is oriented in the drawing
figures. However, it is to be understood that the invention may
assume various alternative variations and step sequences, except
where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be
understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in
the attached drawings, and described in the following
specification, are simply exemplary aspects of the invention.
Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics
related to the aspects disclosed herein are not to be considered as
limiting. Further, it is to be understood that the invention may
assume various alternative variations and step sequences, except
where expressly specified to the contrary.
The present invention is directed to a connector system 10 for a
medical device. In one aspect, the connector system 10 may be
utilized for connecting and enabling fluid transfer between a first
medical device 12 for receiving and/or dispensing fluids such as a
syringe (FIG. 1) and a second medical device 14 for receiving
and/or dispensing fluids such as a pressure equalization device
(FIG. 1(a)), a vial adaptor, a patient connector (FIG. 1(b)), an IV
bag adaptor (FIG. 1(c)), or a similar device used for receiving or
dispensing fluids. The overall system is used to transfer a drug
from an original container, such as a vial, to a patient. The
medical connector 10 is the tool that is used to facilitate this
closed system transfer. The medical connector system 10 includes a
first connector 16 and a second connector 18. FIG. 2 shows an
exploded view of one aspect of the medical connector system 10.
Referring to FIGS. 2-3B, the first connector 16 is embodied as a
syringe adapter that is configured to receive a syringe or IV line
at one end and mate with the second connector at the other end to
facilitate the sealed transfer from a first container to a second
container. The first connector 16, however, may be provided in
connection with any other suitable medical devices. The first
connector includes a housing 20 having a proximal end 22 and a
distal end 24. The housing 20 has a generally cylindrical shape
that defines a central opening 26.
A cap 28 is attached to the proximal end 22 of the housing 20. The
cap 28 includes an attachment 30 to connect the first connector 16
to the first medical device 12. The attachment may be of any
suitable configuration that allows the first connector 16 to be
securely and sealing attached to the first medical device 12.
Possible attachments include, but are not limited to, a luer
connector or a snap-fit connector. The cap 28 has a central
passageway 32 therethrough and a proximal end 34 of a needle
cannula 36 is received in the central passageway 32 such that there
is a fluid connection between the first medical device 12 and the
needle cannula 36 allowing the fluid in the first medical device 12
to flow into the needle cannula 36.
In the aspect shown in FIGS. 2, 3A, 3B, and 6, the cap 28 is
snap-fit onto the housing 20. A ledge 38 extends circumferentially
around the perimeter of the cap 28 and is received in a
corresponding circumferential recess 40 in the housing 20. At least
one protrusion 42 having an upper surface that is sloped towards
the distal end of the first connector 16 engages the upper surface
of the ledge 38 and holds the cap 28 within the recess 40 of the
housing 20. The sloped upper surface of the at least one protrusion
42 allows the cap 28 to be snap fit onto the housing 20 during
assembly. Alternatively, any suitable means may be used to attach
the cap 28 to the housing 20 as long at the cap 28 is securely
attached to the housing 20. Possible alternative attachment means
include, but are not limited to, alternative snap-fit
configurations, welding in permanent connection, or a threaded
connection. When the cap 28 is attached to the housing 20 the
needle cannula 36 extends into the central opening 26 of the
housing 20, but does not extend beyond the distal end 24 of the
housing 20. The distal end of the housing 20 is open to allow at
least a portion of the second connector 18 to be received within
the central opening 26 as will be discussed in more detail
below.
The first connector 16 also includes a cam member 44. The cam
member 44 may be cylindrical in shape and includes at least one
projection 46 extending into the central opening 26 of the housing
20 as shown in FIGS. 2, 3B, 6, 8A, and 8B. The cam member 44 is
rotatably disposed within the housing 20. While the cam member 44
and the housing 20 are shown and described as cylindrical, they may
take any suitable shape the allows for rotation of the cam member
44 in the housing 20, including but not limited to, a cone or a
shape having an outer surface. The distal end 48 of the cam member
44 rests on a ledge 50 at the distal end 24 of the housing 20 and
the proximal end of the cam member 44 is adjacent the cap 28 such
that the cam member 44 is held within housing 20 by the ledge 50
and the cap 28.
Alternatively, as shown in FIGS. 7A-7G, 9A, and 9B, the cam member
44 may be ring shaped and may be held in a recess near the distal
end 24 of the housing 20. The ring shaped cam member 44 may be
disposed within the housing 20 as shown in FIGS. 7A-7G, 9A, and 9B
or may be external to the housing 20 as shown in FIG. 8D, for
example.
A carrier 54 is disposed within the central opening 26 of the
housing 20. The carrier 54 has a generally cylindrical shape. The
outermost surface of the carrier 54 is in sliding contact with
either the inner surface of the cam member 44 if the cam member 44
has a cylindrical shape (FIGS. 2, 3B, 6, 8A, and 8B) or the inner
surface of the housing 20 if the cam member 44 has a ring shape
(FIGS. 7A-7G, 9A, and 9B) such that the carrier 54 may move in an
axial direction within the housing 20. The carrier 54 includes an
axial central opening 56 and at least one sealing member 58. The
needle cannula 36 extends through both the axial central opening 56
of the carrier 54 and the at least one sealing member 58.
In the aspect shown in FIGS. 3A and 6, the two sealing members 58
are provided such that a first sealing member is at the proximal
end 60 of the carrier 54 and a second sealing member is at the
distal end 62 of the carrier 54. Preferably, at least one sealing
member 58 is disposed at the distal end 62 of the carrier 54. A
larger ledge portion of each sealing member 58 is received in a
recess 66 in the carrier 54 to attach the sealing member 58 to the
carrier 54. In an actuated or connected position, shown in FIG. 6,
the carrier 54 is moved upward such that the needle cannula 36
extends through the carrier 54 and the sealing member(s) 58 to
place the first medical device 12 in fluid communication with the
second medical device 14. In a non-actuated, or unconnected
position, as shown in FIG. 3B, the distal end of the needle cannula
36 will be positioned in the central opening 56 of the carrier 54
between the sealing members 58 to protect the sharpened end of the
needle cannula 36 and contain any medicament that may be positioned
within the lumen of the needle cannula 36. Alternatively, the
needle cannula 36 could be contained in any structure that protects
the sharpened end of the needle cannula 36 and contains any
medicament that may be positioned within the lumen of the needle
cannula 36, including, but not limited to, a single large membrane.
The system 10 may also be utilized in connection with any other
suitable drug delivery mechanism or arrangement.
A biasing member 68 is disposed between the cap 28 and the proximal
end of the carrier 54. The biasing member 68 may be a spring,
although other suitable biasing members may be utilized, including,
but not limited to, a built in plastic spring or an elastic
material such as rubber, TPE, or silicone. The elastic material
could be placed in a grid format with multiple elastic strands or
could be a single elastic strand. The biasing member 68 biases the
carrier 54 towards the distal end 24 of the first connector 16 to
ensure that the distal end of the needle cannula 36 is positioned
within the carrier 54 when disconnected from the second connector
18 as described above.
The second connector 18 is generally cylindrical having a distal
end 70 and a proximal end 72 and defining an axial central
passageway 74, although other suitable shapes for the second
connector 18 may be utilized. The distal end 70 of the second
connector 18 may be integral with the second medical device 14 such
as a pressure equalization device, a vial adaptor, a patient
connector, an IV bag adaptor, or a similar fluid delivery device
(FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 7A-9B) or may include an attachment for making a
connection with such devices. For example, referring to FIGS. 5A,
5B, and 6, the second connector 18 is provided on a patient
connector that includes an attachment 75 to connect the second
connector 18 to a patient IV line or other suitable connection. The
attachment 75 is shown as male locking luer connector, although
other suitable attachment arrangements may be provided. The second
connector 18 also includes a sealing member 73 at its proximal end
72.
The second connector 18 defines a groove 76 on its outer surface.
The groove 76 has a zigzag shape extending in a number of
directions (FIGS. 4A, 4C, 4D, and 5A). The groove 76 defines a
first section 78 that extends substantially axially in a distal
direction, i.e., extends generally toward the bottom end of the
second connector 18. A second section 80 of the groove 76 extends
from the distal end 78a of the first section 78 and slopes in a
distal direction away from the distal end 78a of the first section
78, i.e., slopes downward and away from the bottom end of the first
section 78. A third section 82 of the groove 76 extends
substantially axially in a proximal direction from the distal end
80a of the second section 80, i.e., extends generally upward from
the bottom end of the second section 80. A fourth section 84 of the
groove 76 extends from the proximal end 82a of the third section 82
and slopes in a proximal direction away from proximal end 82a of
the third section 82, i.e., slopes upward and away from the top end
of the third section 82. A fifth section 86 of the groove 76
extends substantially axially in a distal direction from the
proximal end 84a of the fourth section 84, i.e., extends downward
from the top end of the fourth section 84. A sixth section 88 of
the groove 76 extends from the distal end 86a of the fifth section
86 and slopes in a distal direction away from distal end 86a of the
fifth section 86, i.e., slopes downward and away from the bottom
end of the fifth section 86. A seventh section 90 of the groove 76
extends substantially axially in a proximal direction from the
distal end 88a of the sixth section 88, i.e., extends upward from
the bottom end of the sixth section 88. An eighth section 92 of the
groove 76 extends from the proximal end of the seventh section 90
and slopes in a proximal direction away from proximal end of the
seventh section 90, i.e., slopes upward and away from the top end
of the seventh section 90.
The first 78, third 82, fifth 86, and seventh 90 sections of the
groove 76 have been described as extending in a substantially axial
direction which includes vertically or parallel to the longitudinal
axis of the second connector 18 and in a slightly sloping direction
as long as they are directed in a proximal direction or distal
direction overall.
In an alternative aspect, as shown in FIGS. 4D and 7A-9B, an
additional section 94 may extend axially in a proximal direction
from the proximal end 84a of the fourth section 84 and fifth
section 86 may extend from the distal end 84a of the additional
section 94, i.e., the additional section 94 may extend from the top
end of the fourth section 84 and the fifth section 86 may extend
from the bottom end of the additional section 94. The additional
section 94 helps to provide additional security in the locked
position but is not required to form a locking connection.
A proximally sloping ledge 96, i.e., a ledge that slopes towards
the bottom of the second connector 18, extends along the exterior
of the second connector 18. The distal end of the sloping ledge 96
extends to the proximal end of the first section 78 of the groove
76, i.e., the bottom end of the sloping ledge 96 extends to the top
end of the first section 78 of the groove 76.
The first connector 16 may be provided with two projections 46 on
opposite sides of the cam member 44 (FIG. 3B) and the second
connector 18 may be provided with two grooves 76 on opposite sides
of the second connector 18 (FIG. 5A).
In use, the proximal end 72 of the second connector 18 is inserted
into the open distal end 24 of the housing 20 of the first
connector 16 (FIG. 7B). The projection 46 on the cam member 44 of
the first connector 16 either contacts the sloping ledge 96 on the
second connector 18 or the projection 46 is received in the first
section 78 of groove 76 depending on the orientation of the first
connector 16 with respect to the second connector 18. The proximal
end 72 of the second connector 18 contacts the distal end 62 of the
carrier 54. The second connector 18 may include a sealing member 73
positioned adjacent to the proximal end 72 of the second connector
18 that engages and forms a seal with the sealing member 58
positioned at the distal end 62 of the carrier 54. After insertion,
opposing axial forces are placed on the proximal end 77 of the
first connector 16 and the distal end 70 of the second connector 18
(FIG. 7C). The carrier 54 is forced in a proximal direction with
respect to the housing 20 by the proximal end 72 of the second
connector 18. As a result, energy is stored in the biasing member
68. In the case of a spring, the energy is stored by compression of
the spring. At the same time, the second connector 18 is further
received in the central opening 26 of the housing 20 of the first
connector 16. As the second connector 18 is further received in the
central opening 26 of the housing 20 of the first connector 16, the
projection 46 on the cam member 44, which is rotatably disposed in
the housing 20 of the first connector 16, either follows the
sloping ledge 96 of the second connector 18 to the groove 76 and
proceeds through the first section 78 and second section 80 of the
groove 76 or directly proceeds through the first section 78 and
second section 80 of the groove 76.
When the opposing axial forces are released, the energy stored in
the biasing member 68 forces the housing 20 of the first connector
16 in a proximal direction with respect to the second connector 18
(FIG. 7D). As a result, the projection 46 on the cam member 44
proceeds through the third section 82 and fourth section 84 of the
groove 76 and, if the additional section 94 is provided between the
fourth section 84 and fifth section 86 of the groove 76 into the
additional section 94. The proximal force provided by the biasing
member 68 on the housing 20 and, thus, the projection 46 on the cam
member 44 holds the projection 46 in the groove 76 such that the
first connector 16 is now locked onto the second connector 18. In
this locked state, the housing 20 can still be rotated with respect
to the second connector 18 without disengaging the first connector
16 from the second connector 18.
Preferably, when the first connector 16 and the second connector 18
are in this locked engagement, the proximal end 72 of the second
connector 18 is in sealing engagement with a sealing member 58 on
the distal end 62 of the carrier 54. The distal force provided by
the biasing member 68 on the carrier 54 and the proximal force
provided on the second connector 18 by the projection 46 on the cam
member 44 help to assure a good seal between the sealing member 58
and the proximal end 72 of the second connector 18.
When the first connector 16 and the second connector 18 are in this
locked engagement, the needle cannula 36 extends into the axial
central passageway 74 of the second connector 18 and into the
second medical device 14. This provides a fluid path from the first
medical device 12 through the needle cannula 36 into the second
medical device 14.
When it is desired to release the locking connection between the
first connector 16 and the second connector 18, opposing axial
forces are again placed on the proximal end 77 of the first
connector 16 and the distal end 70 of the second connector 18
(FIGS. 7E and 7F). The carrier 54 is forced in a proximal direction
with respect to the housing 20 by the proximal end 72 of the second
connector 18. As a result, energy is stored in the biasing member
68. In the case of a spring, the energy is stored by compression of
the spring. At the same time, the second connector 18 is further
received in the central opening 26 of the housing 20 of the first
connector 16. As the second connector 18 is further received in the
central opening 26 of the housing 20 of the first connector 16, the
projection 46 on the cam member 44 proceeds through the fifth
section 86 and sixth section 88 of the groove 76.
When the opposing axial forces are released, the energy stored in
the biasing member 68 forces the housing 20 of the first connector
16 in a proximal direction with respect to the second connector 18
(FIG. 7G). As a result of the proximal force on the housing 20, the
projection 46 on the cam member 44 proceeds through the seventh
section 90 and eighth section 92 of the groove 76 and the first
connector 16 is released from engagement with the second connector
18. The distal end of the needle cannula 36 is once again contained
in carrier 54 of the first connector 16.
In the released position the tip of the needle cannula 36 is
contained in the axial central opening 56 of the carrier 54 between
the two sealing members 58. Thus, not only is the user protected
from an accidental needle stick, but any fluid that may remain in
the needle cannula 36 is contained in the needle cannula 36 and or
the carrier 54 by the sealing members 58.
While the connector system 10 has been described and shown as
having a biasing member 68, another aspect does not include a
biasing member. In this aspect, the user applies opposing axial
forces on the proximal end 77 of the first connector 16 and the
distal end 70 of the second connector 18 pushing the first
connector 16 onto the second connector 18 until the protrusion 46
has traveled through the first 78 and second 80 sections of the
groove 76 and the first connector 16 cannot be advanced on the
second connector 18 any further. Then the user applies opposing
axial forces on the proximal end 77 of the first connector 16 and
the distal end 70 of the second connector 18 pulling the first
connector 16 away from the second connector 18 until the protrusion
46 has traveled through the third 82 and fourth 84 sections of the
groove 76 and into the additional section 94. The additional
section 94 is in the form of detent to provide a locking engagement
with the protrusion 46. When the protrusion 46 is locked in the
additional section 94, the first connector 16 is locked to the
second connector 18.
When it is desired to release the locking connection between the
first connector 16 and the second connector 18, the user again
applies opposing axial forces on the proximal end 77 of the first
connector 16 and the distal end 70 of the second connector 18
pushing the first connector 16 onto the second connector 18 until
the protrusion 46 is released from the additional section 94 and
travels through the fifth 86 and sixth 88 sections of the groove 76
and the first connector 16 cannot be advanced on the second
connector 18 any further. Then the user applies opposing axial
forces on the proximal end 77 of the first connector 16 and the
distal end 70 of the second connector 18 pulling the first
connector 16 away from the second connector 18 until the protrusion
46 has traveled through the seventh 90 and eighth 92 sections of
the groove 76 and the first connector 16 is released from the
second connector 18.
As shown in FIGS. 8-25, the first connector 16 may have an
indicator band 98 extending axially on the outer surface of the cam
member 44. In this case, the housing 20 of the first connector 16
is transparent. The second connector 18 may have an indicator band
100 extending axially on its outer surface. The indicator bands 98,
100 are placed on the cam member 44 and the second connector 18
such that, when the first connector 16 is in locking engagement
with the second connector 18, the indicator band 98 on the cam
member 44 which will be visible through the transparent housing 20
will be aligned with the indicator band 100 on the second connector
18 to give a visual indication to the user that the connector
system is locked. Preferably, the indicator band 98 on the cam
member 44 is located 90.degree. around the circumference of the cam
member 44 from the protrusion 46. Alternatively, if the second
connector 18 is integral with the second medical device 14, the
indicator band 100 may be included on the exterior surface of the
second medical device 14.
The indicator line 98 may extend the full length of the cam member
44 and the second connector 18 as shown in FIGS. 8 and 11 or may
only extend for part of the length of the cam member 44 and the
second connector 18 as shown in FIG. 19. Alternatively, if the cam
member 44 is external from the housing 20, the housing 20 need not
be transparent.
In another aspect, shown in FIGS. 26-28, with a connector system
having a cam member 44, the first connector 16 may have a dot 102
on the outer surface of the housing 20. In this case, the housing
20 of the first connector 16 is transparent. The second connector
18 may have a circle 104. When the first connector 16 is in locking
engagement with the second connector 18, the dot 104 on the housing
102 will be visible through the transparent housing 20 and will be
located in the circle 104 on the second connector 18 to give a
visual indication to the user that the connector system is
locked.
In another aspect, shown in FIGS. 29-34, with a connector system
having a cam member 44, the cam member 44 may include a window 105
and the second connector may include an indicator band 100 (FIGS.
30 and 31) or an indicator mark 107 (FIGS. 33 and 34). In this
case, the housing 20 of the first connector 16 is transparent. When
the first connector 16 is in locking engagement with the second
connector 18, the indicator band 100 or indicator mark 107 will be
visible through the transparent housing 20 and will be located in
the window 105 of the cam member 44 to give a visual indication to
the user that the connector system is locked. In yet another
aspect, instead of the indicator band 100 or indicator mark 107
being on the second connector 18, the colored portion may be
provided on the carrier 54. In this case, the indicator could be
visible through a window in the opaque housing when the carrier 54
is moved within the housing 20.
Referring to FIGS. 35-38, although the housing 20 of the first
connector 16 is shown to be generally cylindrical in FIG. 2, for
example, the housing 20 of the first connector 16 may also include
features to enhance the ability of a user to grip the housing
20.
Referring to FIGS. 35 and 36, the housing 20 of the first connector
16 may include grip portions 106 that are generally planar regions
compared to the cylindrical surface of the remaining portion of the
housing 20. The housing 20 is generally cylindrical in FIG. 35 with
a recessed, planar grip portion 106 that has an hourglass-shaped
circumference. The housing is generally cylindrical in FIG. 36 with
a recessed, planar grip portion 106 that has a generally
rectangle-shaped circumference with rounded ends. The grip portions
106 provide a contact surface to allow the housing 20 to be more
readily gripped by a user of the connector 16.
Referring to FIG. 37, the housing 20 of the first connector 16 may
include a plurality of annular ribs 108 that extend
circumferentially around the outer surface of the housing 20. The
housing 20 may include a plurality of the annular ribs 108 that
extend the full length or only a portion of the length of the
housing 20. The annular ribs 108 provide a surface for a user to
more readily grip the connector 16.
Referring to FIG. 38, the housing 20 of the first connector 16 may
also define a concave grip portion 110 including nubs or
projections. The concave grip portion 110 is a portion of the
housing 20 that extends radially inwardly around the circumference
of the housing 20 to provide a contact surface that allows the
connector 16 to be more readily gripped by a user.
Although the projection 46 of the first connector 16 extends
radially inward and the groove 76 of the second connector 18 is
positioned on the outer surface of the second connector 18, the
projection 46 may extend radially outward and provided on the outer
surface of the second connector 18 with the groove 76 of the second
connector 18 provided on an interior surface of the second
connector 18.
As shown in FIGS. 39-46, the groove 76 of the second connector 18
can take any of a number of paths as long as, upon application and
release of a first set of opposing axial forces applied to the
proximal end 77 of the first connector 16 and the distal end 70 of
the second connector 18, the first connector 16 is locked to the
second connector 18 and, upon application and release of a second
set of opposing axial forces to the proximal end 77 of the first
connector 16 and the distal end 70 of the second connector 18, the
first connector 16 is released from the second connector 18. These
include: pathways that can be linked and repeated (FIG. 39),
pathways that follow the same trail during application and release
of the first set of opposing axial forces and application and
release of the second set of axial forces (FIGS. 44 and 45),
pathways that have curved sections (FIG. 43), and pathways that are
looped such that they have a common entry and exit point but follow
a loop through the majority of the locking and releasing steps
(FIG. 46). All paths may include at least five positions: (1) a
starting position, (2) an initial base position, (3) an
intermediate (or locked) position, (4) a secondary base position,
and (5) an ending position. For some paths, the initial base
position (2) and the secondary base position (4) are the same
(FIGS. 44 and 45). Similarly, the starting position (1) and the
ending position (5) may also be the same depending on the path
(FIG. 46). While the aspects shown in the figures have two
projections 46 on the cam member 44 and two grooves 76 on the
second connector 18, any number of projections 46 may be used. The
corresponding groove or grooves 76 may be altered or scaled to
account for the number and/or position of the projections 46 as
long as the shape of the groove 76 allows for locking of the first
connector 16 to the second connector 18 upon application and
release of a first set of opposing axial forces and release of the
first connector 16 from the second connector 18 upon application
and release of a second set of opposing axial forces. In addition,
the number of projections 46 and grooves 76 need not be equal. For
example, one projection 46 could be used with two or more repeated
groove 76 patterns or two projections 46 could be used with four
repeated groove 76 patterns.
The connector system has been previously described as having a cam
member 44 with at least one protrusion 46 that is rotatably
disposed in the housing 20 of the first connector 16 with the
second connector 18 being stationary. Alternatively, the protrusion
46 may be fixed directly to the housing 20 or keyed to the housing
20. In this case, the second connector 18 would then be placed on a
secondary component (similar to a cylinder) allowing the groove 76
to rotate relative to the housing 20 and the protrusion 46.
The connector system has also been previously described as having
the groove 76 on the exterior of the second connector 18 and the
cam member 44 as part of the first connector 16. Alternatively, the
groove 76 could be placed on the inner wall of the housing 20 of
the first connector 16 and the cam member 44 could be placed on the
exterior of the second connector 18. There are two variations of
this aspect. First, the cam member 44 with at least one protrusion
46 could be a rotating washer on the exterior of the second
connector 18 and the groove 76 could be fixed in the inner wall of
the housing 20 of the first connector 16. Second, the protrusion 46
could be fixed to the exterior of the second connector 18 and the
groove could be placed on the inside of a secondary component (like
a cylinder) that could rotate freely within the inner walls of the
housing 20 of the first connector 16 allowing the groove 76 to
rotate with respect to the protrusion 46.
While this disclosure has been described as having exemplary
designs, the present disclosure can be further modified within the
spirit and scope of this disclosure. This application is therefore
intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the
disclosure using its general principles. Further, this application
is intended to cover such departures from the present disclosure as
come within known or customary practice in the art to which this
disclosure pertains and which fall within the limits of the
appended claims.
* * * * *